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One of our contributors, Suzanne, was invited to Bluestone last week as a #BluestoneBlogger.  Suzanne holidayed with her husband Doug and their three children.  They had a superb time as is clear from this review.

If I was asked last week whether it’s possible to have a fun, energetic, adventurous, kid friendly holiday in the UK. One that could also simultaneously offer relaxation, tranquility, skin rejuvenation and de-stressing powers for hectic parents I would have laughed at the absurdity of the question.

Then we took a week long break to Bluestone National Park Resort.

Bluestone National Park Resort is nestled deep in the stunning hills of Pembrokeshire, South Wales and offers families (and singles/couples) what they call “free range” holiday breaks. And they truly can be free range.  You are free to use Bluestone resort purely as a base to return to in the evening while exploring the surrounding Pembrokeshire countryside or Wales’ famous coastal paths.  Or you can make full use of the facilities on site (of which they are plentiful) and not even need to leave until the end of the week.

The relaxed attitude begins upon arrival at the gate where the registration procedure is seamless and straightforward. After receiving your entry cards you then make your way towards your lodge through the beautifully landscaped and perfectly maintained grounds.

I was going to say the lodges are a home from home but in actual fact that is a massive understatement in our case. We gained a 4th bedroom for a start which made our 3 girls very happy, two of which have to share at home. Mum and Dad gained a lovely en-suite comprising a fab turbo powered shower.

The lodge we stayed in was very well laid out and spacious with an exceptional finish to the carpentry. Complete with solid oak furniture, quality kitchen & bathroom fittings and high class framed prints from local artists there was an air of sophistication and it was far removed from the standard holiday accommodation as is the norm on other resorts.

Access for wheelchairs into the lodge was fantastic with a shallow slope leading to the door and a very low lip through the door. All doors and corridors were wide enough to allow easy moving around downstairs which was great to see.

The Blue Lagoon was one of our favourite attractions and we enjoyed many hours in there. From the fast winding water slides, of which there are 4, to the toddler pool with mini slide there is plenty for all ages.  When the whistle blows both fear and excitement set in as the wave machine starts but heart rates can soon be given a chance to slow down afterwards while floating gracefully around the lazy river.

With the weather turning pretty inclement during our week we had a good chance to explore the fun and feature packed adventure centre. The big kids can explore the huge timber construction complete with it’s towers, bridges and slides while the tots have a whole soft ball enclosure and assault course to enjoy.

For those looking for that bit extra while in the adventure centre there is a large climbing wall, the sky trail (high ropes adventure), the swing (a giant pendulum swing) and crazy golf. A weary Mum & Dad can relax with a nice cuppa in the treetops café or grab a bite to eat with the family.

During our stay we managed to escape the kids once or twice to make full use of the Well spa. We tag teamed the place for a couple of the offerings but also discovered that there are child minding services on the resort.

We found the £15 per hour very reasonable having 3 children however this may be viewed as slightly on the steep side if you had only one child.

Dominique arrived promptly at our lodge on both days and the children reported great things and judging by the excitement when we arrived back they all had lots of fun.

The Well spa delivered exactly what was needed to relax, rejuvenate and de-stress. From Vini Yoga with Bethan to a kinesiology session with “The Health Detectives” Lise & Gitti we were given a new way to view our health and an alternative take on the standard yoga exercises using longer deeper breathing to really increase the impact of the stretches.

We also made full use of the “Thermal suite” which comprises of 6 different thermal experiences. There’s the hot brick & hot slate saunas, 2 steam rooms (herbal & marine) a dry salt room and an ice room. However compared to the outside temperature while walking to and from the outdoor hydrotherapy pool the ice room felt almost tropical. If you visit Bluestone’s you NEED to make time in your schedule to take in a session or two at the Well spa.

My last parting bit of advice to anyone heading to Bluestone resort.

Book a buggy!

We didn’t and oh the envy,  while dragging yourself and your kids up some of the hills,  as some sensible folks whizz past cheerily making light work of the inclines.

Before we knew it Friday had come and our Bluestone break was over and it was time to sadly say our goodbyes. What a fantastic week in a fantastic place.

Will be back? It’s already booked!